# Mystery of Westminster Abbey skeleton solved

> Experts identify 1869 skeleton as high-ranking medieval monk.
- Title: Mystery of Westminster Abbey skeleton solved · Dailymail
- Summary: Experts identify 1869 skeleton as high-ranking medieval monk. Archaeologists confirm remains found in Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey in 1869 belong…
- Keywords: westminster abbey, skeleton, medieval monk, aelfwig, wulnoth, roman sarcophagus, archaeology, sarcophagus, medieval history, archaeologists, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/sciencetech/article-16223167/Mystery-skeleton-discovered-Westminster-Abbey-SOLVED.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-20T23:01:49+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: westminster abbey, skeleton, medieval monk, aelfwig, wulnoth, roman sarcophagus, archaeology, sarcophagus, medieval history, archaeologists, news, entertainment
## Skeletal mystery solved
Archaeologists identified remains found in Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey in 1869 as belonging to a high-ranking medieval monk.
## Sarcophagus discovered in 1869
The skeleton was discovered inside a Roman sarcophagus in 1869 after workmen accidentally smashed its lid in 1820.
## Initial inscription
The sarcophagus originally had an inscription indicating it belonged to Valerius Amandinus, a wealthy man from 300 to 400AD.
## Medieval monk identity
Experts now believe the remains belong to either Aelfwig or Wulnoth, high-ranking medieval monks who died around 1020 and 1049.
## Age and height
The skeleton belongs to a man who was around 5ft 9in tall and died between the ages of 35 and 49.
## Aelfwig's background
Aelfwig was an Abbot at Westminster Abbey who died around 1020 after a career as a monk.
## Wulnoth's background
Wulnoth was Aelfwig's successor who died in 1049 and is presumed to have been buried at Westminster Abbey.
## Age calculation
Assuming the Abbot was in his early 20s when appointed and close to 50 when he died, either monk fits the skeleton's age range.
## Sarcophagus reuse
The wooden coffin was placed inside the stone burial casket, representing an early example of recycling materials.
## Cross on lid
The lid was re-carved to feature a large Latin cross, suggesting the occupant was 'honoured' with a fine sarcophagus.
## White residue
Researchers found the outline of a rectangular structure marked with white residue left by lime, indicating a timber coffin.
## Sarcophagus display
The sarcophagus is on public display in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries at Westminster Abbey.
## Skeletal analysis
The skeleton's age and height match the historical timeline of Aelfwig or Wulnoth, who were high-ranking monks at Westminster Abbey.
## Conclusion
Experts confirm the remains belong to either Aelfwig or Wulnoth, resolving the 150-year-old mystery of the Westminster Abbey skeleton.
## Key takeaway

Archaeologists confirm remains found in Roman sarcophagus at Westminster Abbey in 1869 belong to monk Aelfwig or Wulnoth, who died between 1020 and 1049.